Eliot Cutler likely to run for governor

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - It looks like Maine is likely to have a three-way race for Governor again next year.

Independent Eliot Cutler told NEWS CENTER today he "assumes" he will be a candidate, even though he doesn't plan to announce a decision until the fall. Cutler lost the 2010 race for Governor to Paul LePage by fewer than 10, 000 votes.

Political polls have suggested Governor LePage would win a three-way race against Cutler and any of the state's top Democrats. But Cutler told NEWS CENTER today he believes he can win. "This is going to be an open race in my view", said Cutler. "I've seen the polls, and I'm pretty certain we can win."

Cutler says he thinks Republican Gov. Paul LePage has done some things right and some things wrong, but says the Governor's style and temperament have hurt Maine's image around the country.

Gov. LePage has not yet announced whether he will run for re-election. Former Democratic Gov. John Baldacci is considering running again, as is Democratic Rep. Mike Michaud. Cutler said several Democrats have asked him to rejoin the party and run for Governor as a Democrat, so the party can defeat LePage.

But Cutler says he's committed to being an independent and will not go back to the Democrats. Polls have suggested one of the leading Democrats or Cutler could defeat LePage in a two-way race, but not a three-way contest.